PATEK PHILIPPE | RETAILED BY GUILLERMIN: REF 1518YELLOW GOLD PERPETUAL CALENDAR CHRONOGRAPH WRISTWATCH WITH MOON PHASESMADE IN 1950

Dial: silveredCalibre: cal. 13''' manual winding, 23 jewelsMovement number: 868'004Case: 18k yellow gold, snap-on backCase number: 663'680Closure: Patek Philippe alligator strap and 18k yellow gold buckleDimensions: 35 mmSigned: case, dial and movementAccessories: Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming date of sale on May 29th, 1952

MVT: running at the time of cataloguing. Calendar and chronograph functioning. CASE: in very good condition. The lugs retaining strong proportions. Hallmark to the lug still crisp and well defined. The band with brushed finish, and minimal surface scratching, the hallmark also crisp and defined in the band. The spring bar retaining holes still with good amount of material around them suggesting minimal use. The case back still thick and marks to the inside clear and defined with mark for GUILLERMIN still discernible DIAL: with some wear to the subsidiary dials, small scratches revealing the plate beneath. Further wear surrounding the day and date apertures. Some wear also around the numerals. The track and signature in good condition. Hands in good condition. Overall, a very honest and healthy 1518 in great condition. Please note that the movement has not been tested for the accuracy of time and may need a service at the buyer's expense. Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. You are advised that watch straps or bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator or crocodile) are not sold with the watch and we reserve the right to remove these straps or bands prior to shipping. Furthermore, the watch may not come with its original manufacturers strap or band. Prospective bidders should review the Conditions of Business, Authenticity Guarantee, the Guide for Prospective Buyers, and any Important Notice in the sale catalogue.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping."

The 1518 is recognised as one of the most important chronograph wristwatches ever produced. So loved by the community is the 1518 that the amount of information available is so great that much of it need not be repeated here. However when one, such as with the present lot, features an attribute never seen on another example, it’s worth writing about. The present lot is immediately distinguished by the FAB. SUISSE signature beneath the moon phases aperture. This designation, reserved for French market watches, is present in addition to French import marks to the inside case back beside marks for the retailer Guillermin. These unique features are elevated further by the fantastic condition of the case which retains its thick lugs and sharp edges, and can thus be considered as one of the best preserved examples of the reference seen on the market.

Released in 1941, the 1518 was the first perpetual calendar chronograph produced in series by any manufacture. Interestingly the very first examples were modified variants of the reference 130 before the decision was made to produce the watch in series with its specific reference number.